Uncooperative toddlers during photo sessions

“Ok, but you haven’t met MY toddler…”

If you’re feeling unsure about how your toddler will act during your family photoshoot, you are not alone! Most of my clients with young kids have similar concerns, regardless of their child’s usual disposition.

As a mama of a toddler who really doesn’t enjoy standing still for more than a couple seconds, I can 100% relate to this concern. Being a mom and working with lots of toddlers has taught me not to expect young kids to stand still or be super willing participants, because it goes against their developmental needs and nature. So here's how I approach working with toddlers:

1. Work alongside them

The best way I’ve found to get toddlers to actually participate in and enjoy a session is by following their lead. They want to run around? Great! I’ll chase after them. Or I’ll get them to race fast to me. They want to stay with their mama? Of course! We’ll start with mama and baby pictures. I have really only had one child who was extremely resistant and wanted absolutely nothing to do with the pictures. In this extreme case, I put my camera down and had a friendly conversation with the parents. After a little while of talking, the child warmed up and was all smiles for the pictures!

2. Never force

I try to be respectful of all people, big and small. So if your little one doesn’t want to do something or put their body in a certain way, I will never make them, and I never expect their parents to force them either. Like I said above, we will work within what your child wants to do, and follow their pace.

I’ve learned that a happy toddler equals happy parents. And my goal is to keep everyone happy and create a fun memory you will cherish forever! And I am confident that we can create a beautiful memory for your family too!

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